The dangers of Smart meters

O&R currently changing out analog meters to Smart Meters in Orange County, NY

What are smart meters? Smart Meters are wireless devices that emit Radio Frequency (RF) radiation while sending data to the utility company Each meter talks to other Smart Meters in the neighborhood forming a mesh that sends usage data to relays on telephone poles creating Electro Magnetic Fields (EMFs)

Advantages of smart meters to Orange & Rockland Smart Meters allow utility companies to eliminate meter reader jobs O&R estimates $75 million in savings over 20 years NO savings to consumers NO advantage to consumers

WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?

How to identify a smart meter: No longer has the familiar big wheel or the clock dials Has an electronic digital display that flashes different numbers in sequence

Health concerns

Smart Meters transmit dangerous and unprecedented levels of pulsed Radio Frequency Radiation (RF) 24 hours a day

World Health Organization On May 31, 2011, it’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) placed radiation from cell phones into category 2B- the same category as DDT and engine exhaust. The WHO today classifies wireless, non-ionizing radiation as “possible cancer causing” based on a broad investigation into the peer-reviewed science

Example of misleading chart

Cell Phones and other devices vs smart meters Cell phones and other devices can be turned off and are used intermittently Smart meters emit Radio Frequency Radiation (RF) 24 hours a day and can NOT be turned off Smart Meters send spikes or blasts of RFs up to 190,000 times per day These peaks are usually averaged over 30 minutes, hiding the peak energy levels

–Dr. David carpenter, MD, public health physician “There is no evidence smart meters are safe. Evidence from radio frequency exposure shows an increased risk of cancer, damage to the nervous system, and adverse reproductive effects.“ –Dr. David carpenter, MD, public health physician

Daniel hirsch. Nuclear physicist, usCS “Comparing smart meters to cell phones with an apples to apples comparison, smart meters emit 100 times more full body radiation than cell phones Daniel hirsch. Nuclear physicist, usCS

FCC Guidelines offer no protection for: People with pacemakers, deep brain stimulators or diabetes pumps Pulsed signal vs continuous wave The Peak Energy Level of pulses Cumulative exposure from all sources Children, elderly, or pregnant women

–Journal of microscopy and ultrastructure “Children and fetuses most at risk from wireless devices because their brain tissues are more absorbent, their skulls are thinner and their relative size is smaller” –Journal of microscopy and ultrastructure

Smart Meter Fire hazards

Smart meters linked to HOUSE fires Smart Meters are not installed by licensed electricians NY State Senator David Carlucci says his office has received several calls stating fires were started after Smart Meters were installed

O&R Customers must pay monthly $15 fee to opt out To protect your health and safety: O&R Customers must pay monthly $15 fee to opt out

paying the cigarette companies a monthly fee not to smoke Paying a smart meter opt out fee is like: paying the cigarette companies a monthly fee not to smoke

Ulster County Legislature Duchess County Legislature Town of Woodstock NY county and local governments passing the right of customers to retain analog meters without opt out fees Ulster County Legislature Duchess County Legislature Town of Woodstock Town of Olive Town of Gardiner City of Kingston

Requested Resolution Support the right of all utility customers to opt-out of smart meters without paying an “opt out fee” Support the right of opt-out customers to keep or get back their analog meter